Dina Levačić: From Channel Swims to Researching Adaptation

In this episode, Grant speaks with Dina Levačić, an elite marathon swimmer, Ocean’s Seven finisher and emerging researcher, about what years of extreme open water swimming can teach us about health, risk and adaptation.

Dina reflects on the lived experience of channel swimming:

• how pain, fatigue, cold and uncertainty become normalised over time;
• the role of support crews and community knowledge in managing risk;
• and why recovery is as much cognitive and emotional as it is physical.

Drawing on her transition into research, Dina also shares why she believes the voices of experienced swimmers are crucial for improving education, safety and long‑term wellbeing in open water swimming.

This is a thoughtful conversation about learning through experience, being attentive to limits, and using insight, not bravado, to stay in the sport for the long term.

Learn more about Dina: 🌐 Website: https://dinalevacic.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dinalevacic_swim/

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.